The ASPCA, or American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, promotes animal welfare (see also animal rights). Their website states that they were formed "to alleviate the injustices animals faced then, and we continue to battle cruelty today. Whether it’s saving a pet who has been accidentally poisoned, fighting to pass humane laws, rescuing animals from abuse or sharing resources with shelters across the country, we work toward the day in which no animal will live in pain or fear."[1]Henry Bergh (1823 - 1888) founded the organization in 1866.

It is the ASPCA’s belief that appropriate pets carefully maintained are fully justified, and that both humans and animals benefit from the relationship.

In recent years, the ASPCA has dropped the first "A" (for "American") from its name, ostensibly to show that it is a worldwide organization.

An example of their contributions are often seen at the end of a movie when it says, "No animals were harmed in the creation of this movie."